It was a glorious day in Baxter State Park after it rained until about 2 a.m. I woke at 4:30 in eager anticipation of the first day on the AT. The park ranger warned me and two other AT hikers to expect the climb and descent back to the Katahdin Stream campground could take up to 14 hours. That would be a 10 p.m. return and hiking by headlamp. I was determined to not get myself in such a predicament.
See my current location:
The hike started on a gentle ascent through a lovely forest of tightly spaced conifer trees. At ascent gradually became steeper leading to huge boulders that I had to climb up and over sometimes with precarious hand and foot holds. A slip or misstep could have resulted in a dangerous fall and possible injury. A few boulders had metal bars for hand or foot holds. I focused my breathing and rested often to recharge the leg muscles that had little exercise in the previous six days.
After five hours, 15 minutes I reached the summit! I had been anticipating this moment for years. The sign on the summit is an icon of long distance hiking, and I was right there, finally! The flow of pride with this accomplishment at age 67 will stay with me forever!
The descent down the steep boulders was risky. I sat down and slowly lowered myself down on tricky boulders that were up to four feet high with precarious hand holds. The strength and balance achieved from my yoga practice enhanced my agility. No injuries or pain except for a minor knee scrape and a small tear my pants.
Stoked to follow your trip, especially since all the fires in Oregon have me considering a section solo hike on the AT next year instead of something out west. Hope you stay in good spirits and enjoy the challenge and beauty of the east!
Hi She-ra! You already know this… The AT has enough rain and lots of greenery to enjoy. I have suggested to some AT hikers to stay away from the PCT until this drought cycle ends.
My congratulations on this success, Roger! The first day – the first result. And what a result! A very remarkable event, a landmark in your hiking career. The task looks very difficult, impossible for untrained people. The descent seems to be just terrible. You are fuelling my interest to youga practice…share you secrets of improving your strength and balance through it after finishing this adventure please.
Yay for Roger!
You are now an honorary Northern Mainer! Yuh, welcome to the club! Black flies will fear you…. The northern half of the hundred mile is not bad hill wise. The southern half gets hilly. Stay safe and be well.
Brownie
Just kept saying WOW while I was reading! Congrats Roger!
Very happy for you. Continue in good health and sans mishaps.
Tricky going….
That is a great Katahdin picture. !!!
New pole that broke or old one? I’m thinking of changing back to aluminum poles. My carbon fiber one snapped on me. Very scary when you have all your weight on it on a downhill Boulder field.
I ordered new poles using a satellite phone at Abol Bridge store. They arrived in Monson. After breaking the trekking pole I found and broke at least three sticks, using each to erect my tent, before finding a strong, well balanced stick that helped me to Monson. Yea!